I have 12 more days until it has been a full year since my last smoke. I am also down 52 lbs. I have plateaued quite a bit the last few months, but at least I am maintaining the same weight. Thanks for asking. I have gotten a lot of support from friends on here and it has helped greatly. Too many of you guys and gals to kick my ass if I go back now.

I have 12 more days until it has been a full year since my last smoke. I am also down 52 lbs. I have plateaued quite a bit the last few months, but at least I am maintaining the same weight. Thanks for asking. I have gotten a lot of support from friends on here and it has helped greatly. Too many of you guys and gals to kick my ass if I go back now.

I have 12 more days until it has been a full year since my last smoke. I am also down 52 lbs. I have plateaued quite a bit the last few months, but at least I am maintaining the same weight. Thanks for asking. I have gotten a lot of support from friends on here and it has helped greatly. Too many of you guys and gals to kick my ass if I go back now.

Chantix worked for the smoking. Anyone that met me knew what a chain smoker I was. 2-3 packs a day. As far as weight loss, I cut out fast food and junk food. I eat an apple for breakfast, subway sub for lunch and apples instead of chips, and dinner is a salad and a small helping of whatever the family had for dinner. I also started back in April to walk at least a mile every day and then it went to running. Now I run 2-3 times a week but walk every day. I admit that the plateau has come with me cheating a lot lately and not taking it as serious as I was. Long way to go still.

Thanks, and same to you. You have been very supportive in the Chantix and what to expect. Herewego has been a great motivator as well as others. Thank you all for the best last 12 months I have had in over 10 years!

By "locks" do you mean the split flat plate that some shocks have under the spring seat? This shock doesn't have those. See the pictures for reference.

Click to expand...

I saw that. Was thinking it might be under the spring. What are the chances the spring is compressed from the factory while being assembled internally? Thats looking like the second way this is coming apart. Try AutoZone for a spring compressor or harbor freight for a cheap one.

Cheap spring compressor can be made from two pieces of 3/8 or 1/2" threaded rod and a couple heavy duty exhaust flanges from the auto parts store. Just have to take the shock with you to find a flange that will slip over the end but still catch the plates/collar to compress the spring. Looks like this...

Just tighten each nut a few turns at a time to keep them even as you compress/release.

Unless it's assembled as a non serviceable unit, there is going to be a snap ring or something similar at the opposite end from the collars. I'll just about bet you that if you compress the spring down, that bottom plate slides down to reveal a pin or snap ring.

Trail Type: Out and Back
Nearby Towns: Silverton, Ouray, Lake City
Nearby Trails: Mineral Creek, Cinnamon Pass, Engineer Pass
Trail Length: 3 miles
Elevation: 11,159 to 12,668 feet
This trail packs a lot of scenery and rocky fun into three short miles. Even though it's in the middle of all of the popular San Juan Mountain trails, it sees little traffic. This trail is highly recommended if you enjoy old mining buildings and high mountain views.

It starts off of the Engineer Pass trail near the ghost town of Animas Forks. There is camping near the trailhead, and the trailhead is not marked. You can find it by following two different trails continuing down into the valley next to the Engineer Pass trail, crossing through Henson Creek, follow the trail up and into Schafer Gulch.

The trail immediately begins climbing over loose rocks along a shelf road. Continue up into the gulch with Gravel Mountain on your left and Seigal Mountain on your right marking the Continental Divide.

The trail is fairly easy once you pass the rocky section, and it isn't long before you come to an intersection. If you make a sharp left turn here you can take a brief spur up to a restored lodge. The lodge is huge and in good shape, but keep in mind that the situation could change at any minute. Enter the building at your own risk.

Next to the lodge is an old mill that has not been restored. If you carefully find a way into the building you can spot much of the old equipment that was used. Exploration is difficult and dangerous in this building.

Continue back to the main trail and keep heading up Hurricane Basin. You can spot many old mines here, though all shafts have been closed or caved in. Follow the trail over more loose rocks to the very top in order to fully enjoy the view of the basin below you. It provides a good view of the buildings and mines.